Nazca is primarily known for the enigmatic Nazca Lines, vast geoglyphs etched into the desert floor that are best viewed from aerial tours. This destination offers a unique blend of ancient history and a sense of wonder surrounding the mysterious purpose of these colossal figures. Beyond the lines, visitors can explore other archaeological sites such as the Chauchilla Cemetery and the Cantalloc Aqueducts, which showcase the ingenuity of the ancient Nazca culture.
For those seeking to connect with other travelers, several hostels in Nazca cater to backpackers and offer social areas. Establishments like Nanasqa Hostel, Nasca Lodge, and Pirwa Hostel Nazca are noted for their good atmosphere, common areas, and assistance with tour bookings.
Top 5 Things to do in Nazca
Activities in Nazca primarily revolve around exploring ancient Nazca civilization through aerial views of geoglyphs and visits to significant archaeological and historical sites.
1. Nazca Lines Flight
Experiencing the Nazca Lines from a small aircraft offers an unparalleled view of these vast geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. This 30-minute flight reveals intricate figures such as the hummingbird, monkey, spider, and the 'astronaut', providing a profound sense of the ancient Nazca culture's artistic and engineering prowess. Morning flights are typically recommended for optimal visibility and smoother conditions.
Cost: Flights generally cost around $85 USD, with additional airport tax of 30 soles (approximately $8 USD) and a Nazca Lines Tourist Ticket of 47 soles (approximately $12 USD), both paid in cash at the airport. Tour operators often arrange pick-up from bus terminals or hotels.
Transport: Airlines or tour operators typically provide pick-up from your hotel or the bus terminal in Nazca to the Maria Reiche Neuman Airport, from which flights depart.
2. Chauchilla Cemetery Tour
Visiting the Chauchilla Cemetery provides a unique glimpse into the burial practices of the ancient Nazca people. This pre-Incan necropolis features well-preserved human remains, some still with hair and fragments of textiles, alongside pottery shards and other artifacts in their original tombs. It offers a solemn yet fascinating insight into their beliefs about the afterlife.
Cost: Guided tours typically cost between $19 and $35 USD per person, which usually includes hotel pick-up, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees.
Transport: Chauchilla Cemetery is located about 28-30 kilometers southeast of Nazca, requiring transport. Tours provide round-trip transportation from hotels in Nazca.
3. Cantalloc Aqueducts
The Cantalloc Aqueducts are an impressive testament to ancient Nazca engineering, showcasing how this civilization managed water in an arid desert environment. These over 30 spiraling and zigzagging underground channels, built between AD 200 and 900, still function today, irrigating surrounding fields. Exploring these stone and wood channels offers insight into their ingenuity.
Cost: A guided tour typically costs between $15 and $25 USD per person, often including hotel pick-up and entrance fees. For self-serve, a taxi from Nazca can cost around S/4 to S/5 (approximately $1.10-$1.40 USD) one way.
Transport: The aqueducts are located about 4 kilometers southeast of Nazca. Taxis are readily available from the town center. Tours often include hotel pick-up.
4. Mirador de Nazca (Observation Tower)
For those seeking a ground-level perspective of the Nazca Lines, the Mirador de Nazca offers an elevated view of three prominent geoglyphs: the Hands, the Tree, and a portion of the Lizard. This metal observation tower provides an accessible and affordable way to appreciate some of the lines, accompanied by explanations of their historical significance.
Cost: Entrance to the tower is very affordable, costing around 3 to 6 soles (approximately $0.80-$1.60 USD).
Transport: The Mirador is located about 20-25 kilometers north of Nazca on the Pan-American Highway. A taxi from Nazca to the tower can cost around 30 soles (approximately $9 USD) for a round trip. Public buses or 'colectivos' (shared taxis) are also an economical option, costing around 5 soles (approximately $1.30 USD) one way.
5. Museo Antonini (Antonini Archaeological Museum)
The Museo Antonini is a didactic museum dedicated to the Nazca culture and civilization. It houses a significant collection of archaeological artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and mummified remains, recovered from excavations, particularly from the ceremonial center of Cahuachi. Visiting the museum provides a deeper understanding of the Nazca people's daily life, beliefs, and artistic achievements.
Cost: General admission is 20 soles (approximately $5.40 USD). Guided tours of the museum may be included in broader Nazca tours, or a separate guide can be arranged for an additional fee.
Transport: The museum is located within the city of Nazca, often accessible by walking or a short taxi ride from most accommodations. Some tours include hotel pick-up and transport to the museum as part of a larger itinerary.
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